OLR Report 2013-R-0309 summarizes federal and state laws and regulations that establish standards for the care of animals by dog and cat breeders. It also explains the positions large animal advocacy organizations hold on this issue. The American Kennel Club, American Cat Fanciers Association, and Humane Society of the United States were contacted for their positions. The American Kennel Club and the Humane Society provided responses for this report.
Federal laws and regulations establish minimum standards of care for the treatment of cats and dogs by commercial breeders. These standards apply to certain midsized and large breeders and exempt small and so-called hobby breeders. They set requirements for humane handling, shelter, space requirements, feeding, watering, sanitation, ventilation, veterinary care, and transport.
At least 19 states have laws and regulations establishing standards of care for commercial breeders to follow. These standards typically cover kennel size, limitations on cage stacking, access to water and food, sanitation, flooring material, temperature and ventilation, lighting, exercise, socialization, and veterinary care.
The American Kennel Club maintains a care and conditions policy for dog owners and breeders to follow and it conducts investigations and inspections to ensure compliance. Their policy is included in the report.
According to The Humane Society of the United States, federal laws and regulations applicable to dog and cat breeders are “extremely limited in scope, exclude a large percentage of breeders and other pet dealers, and provide very minimal standards of care.” As a result, “many states have enacted statutes to provide some degree of protection for dogs living in breeding facilities that are not subject to federal regulation and create more stringent standards than those set forth under [federal law].”
For more information, read the full report.
